“Canada controls about 80 per cent of the world market for ice wine. It is hard to believe that it all started at our small winery here in Peachland.”
EXPLORING THE SOUTH OKANAGAN
Aroad trip around the Okanagan Valley should in theory take just half a day of leisurely driving, given the region’s relatively compact dimensions.
Point the car south from the city of Kelowna on scenic and winding Highway 33, turn the corner at the hamlet of Osoyoos and head back north on Highway 97 along the western shores of Osoyoos Lake, Skaha Lake and Okanagan Lake to Kelowna.
In reality, there are far too many welcome diversions on this wonderful B.C. motor route to rush through so quickly.
Drivers and their passengers will soon find themselves drawn by all manner of roadside attractions, likely thwarting any intentions to circle the Okanagan Valley without stopping.
Among the region’s most favoured of all holiday diversions is the opportunity to experience this fertile region’s agricultural heritage, which is well expressed through its abundant orchards that render apples, pears, peaches, strawberries and a host of other seasonal fruits.
These days, however, B.C. famed orchards are nearly outnumbered by the region’s burgeoning vineyards and wineries. Wine grapes bask on gentle slopes amid a semi arid climate that promises hot, sunny days and cool evenings.
Soaking up this wonderfully pastoral lifestyle – some would say Mediterranean – is essential to any Okanagan stay. Few towns offer a better opportunity to enjoy the best of the Valley than Peachland, a charming community located in the heart of Okanagan wine country, just 30 minutes south of the bustling city of Kelowna.
With more than 2,000 hours of sunshine annually, Peachland is a popular destination for Okanagan Lake water sports or simply relaxing on the local beaches.
Peachland offers sophisticated forms of recreation as well, such as the exploration of its acclaimed wineries. Hainle Vineyards Estate Winery, for instance, has a special place in Canada’s wine history; it was the first in North America to produce ice wine.
“Canada controls about 80 per cent of the world market for ice wine,” says Walter Huber, owner of Hainle Vineyards Estate Winery and the nearby Deep Creek Wine Estate. “It is hard to believe that it all started at our small winery here in Peachland.”
Located on the benchlands above Okanagan Lake on Trepanier Road, Hainle Vineyards’ more recent acclaim is due to its commitment to organic viticulture and winemaking.
A tour here can be followed by a visit to its Vineyard Bistro, which offers modern European dishes paired with over 100 different B.C. wines. For those who might like to advance their culinary skills, Hainle even offers a cookery school run by international hotelier and chef Scott Wilshaw.
“We want people to experience the best of B.C. wines and cuisine – to learn about how the wines are made, from organic grape growing methods to vinification. We marry that knowledge with instruction on classic cooking recipes and wine pairings that our guests will feel comfortable preparing in their own homes,” says Wilshaw, who is also managing the development of a nearby five-star boutique hotel and luxury real estate development.
He says at Hainle visitors can get a taste of a “down-to-earth Okanagan experience.”
While Hainle’s cookery school draws from a repertoire of about 6,000 dishes, Wilshaw says, “We find out what our guests like and then tailor the program to their interests.”
“They’re getting a full day experience and evening experience – a good balance of wine, food and fun.”
Visitors can also check out Deep Creek Wine Estate, located about three kilometres south of the Hainle property, and taste varietals such as Pinot Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Gewuerztraminer, Riesling, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, Cabernet Franc and others.
“We are replanting, so we have an acre of each varietal, which will give us about 250 to 300 cases of wine for each varietal,” says Huber. “This way we can do what we like best, which is make a lot of different outstanding wines. We feel we have found a special place here in B.C. with our high-end organic wines.”
Wilshaw agrees Peachland is special. “I’ve lived all over the world. We settled in Peachland. Its quaintness and charm, its artisans remind you of a more relaxed, bygone era where you can watch the world go by. It’s also right in the middle of Okanagan wine country, and its proximity to Kelowna also puts you close to the city’s action.” Wilshaw also notes that nearby golf courses, marina, ski hills, nature trails and other lakeside activities ensure that there is always plenty to see and do.
Whether exploring Peachland or further down the Okanagan Valley, the taste of adventure is always fresh.
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